Out & About
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How to teach a dog to sit: Five tips from leading dog trainer Ben Randall
Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most important things you can do — and it will help with all sorts of other commands. Ben Randall explains how to get your dog to do it, every time.
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Curious Questions: Who created the Oxford English Dictionary?
Martin Fone, who has long been fascinated by words, digs in to the story of how Sir James Murray created the first Oxford English Dictionary — despite having a full-time job and 11 children — and ended up having his own special post box.
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How to keep your dog healthy and having fun in the coldest depths of winter, by award-winning trainer Ben Randall
Snow, ice and freezing conditions throw up both challenges and opportunities for fun if you're a dog owner. Ben Randall explains how to make the most of this beautiful time of year while keeping your pet safe and healthy.
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'My dog keeps barking at my sister — what can I do?' Canine agony uncle Ben Randall has the answer
The A-list dog trainer Ben Randall shares his advice on how to deal with a dog who's taken against someone important in your life.
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Why does BBC Radio 4 broadcast 'the pips' at the top of the hour?
The Greenwich Time Signal has been an ubiquitous part of BBC Radio for a century, but few know what it really is and where it came from
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How to exercise with your dog, by expert trainer Ben Randall
The new year often brings with it a new focus on health and keeping active. Ben Randall explains how you can help make your dog a part of your fitness regime.
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How to tie the only knots you'll ever need
The 'Surrey Six' is a collection of ways to tie rope that, for most people, are the only six knots you'll ever need. Agnes Stamp tries her hand at tying them, and looks in to the lore of knot tying.
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Twelfth Night: What it is, when it falls and why it's the biggest celebration we no longer enjoy
Once a time of merriment when rules were subverted, Twelfth Night has long since lost its sparkle, says Vicky Liddell, as she digs into the colourful past of the Feast of Fools and finds that some traditions live on.
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How to ensure your dog has the best Christmas ever, by top trainer Ben Randall
Dogs can enjoy Christmas just as much as their owners — and perhaps even more so. But there are a few things to be mindful of as we enter the festive season, as Ben Randall explains.
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How to stop a dog peeing in the house, by A-list trainer Ben Randall
It's one of the nightmare scenarios for a dog owner: a pooch who suddenly forgets that they're toilet trained. Ben Randall explains what to do.
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How to keep your dog calm throughout the Christmas period, by expert trainer Ben Randall
Christmas is a wonderful time of year, with houses festooned in merry decorations, loved ones coming to visit, piles of presents under the tree and festive food for all to enjoy. But how do you make sure it doesn't all get too much for your four-legged friend? Ben Randall explains how to enjoy the Christmas season with your dog.
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The Country Life columnist who ended up at an illegal rave in the Brecon Beacons
Patrick Galbraith has a night to remember.
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How to stop a dog destroying your lawn
Ben Randall fields a question about how to stop a pooch with a penchant for digging holes in its owner's prized garden.
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A walk of wonder: The enduring beauty of the Kingston Lacy beech avenue
Fiona Reynolds takes a stroll around ancient Badbury Rings leads to Kingston Lacy, where an 188-year-old avenue of trees stands proud
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King Charles Spaniels: 'They’re like little people in fur coats'
Once a favourite of the nobility, the distinguished King Charles spaniel is a loving and loyal little lap dog that can also hold its own outdoors, says Katy Birchall.
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How to stop your dog barking constantly, by leading trainer Ben Randall
A dog who can't stop barking can drive you, your friends and your neighbours crazy. Luckily our resident canine agony uncle, Ben Randall, has several tips for encouraging any noisy four-legged chatterboxes to zip it.
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Norfolk terriers: ‘Stubborn little bearers of total joy’
Norfolk terriers may be small and feisty, but their immense courage, intelligence and sheer joy of life have won over everyone from members of the Royal Family to Formula 1 champions, as Katy Birchall discovers.
